Budget

Do you ladies have a budget system in your home? Do you like it? Well, we have been doing the envelope system for a a while now. I did not want to do it. I felt like I would be "enslaved to the budget" as I not-so-submissively told my sweet husband. I mean, I have plans for how we are going to spend our money. We just bought a house in March and there are things that I "NEED" to do. But I have been doing it now for quite a while...and I like it. It has actually given me much more freedom. David has been sooo good to make an envelope for EVERYTHING. Like, I have a "play money" envelope. With that, I can take the kids to various places during the week without feeling like I am spending too much and dealing with the guilt. When the envelope is empty, as it is right now:), I know that we can't do anything "extra" until we get paid again. It has made me so much more disciplined with our money. Before the budget, I wouldn't even make a list to go grocery shopping. Who needs a list? Aren't you supposed to just stroll down every aisle and throw whatever you think you need at that moment into your cart? I guess not. That way gets you into a little shock when the person at the check-out tells you your total. Wow...groceries can be expensive. Now, I have a list. I haven't clipped coupons yet, but the list is a start for me. I try to beat the budget. It is kind of like a game for my overly competitive mind. And the "stuff" for our house? Well, when you stick to the budget there are monies left over:) It may take longer than I would like to have our house look like it does in my mind, but I am sure it will be worth it when it gets there.
A budget, seemingly bonding, but oh so freeing!